Coconut Banana Cream Pie

This pie was a hit at our Christmas dinner yesterday.  It was much easier than I thought it would be and looked so pretty. Oh, and it was delicious too!

Coconut Banana Cream Pie

3 C. flaked coconut
7 T. butter
3/4 C. sugar
1/4 C. flour
3 T. cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
3C half and half cream
4 egg yokes, slightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large firm bananas, sliced
Whipped cream and banana for garnish if desired.

In a large skillet, saute coconut in butter until golden.  Reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish.  

Press the remaining toasted coconut into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9 inch pie plate.  Bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes.  Cool on a wire rack.

For the filling, combine the sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt in a large saucepan.
Stir in the cream until smooth.  Cook and stir over medium high heat until thickened and bubbly.  Reduce heat; cook 2 minutes longer.

Remove from the heat and stir a small amount of hot filling into the slightly beaten egg yokes.  (reserve the whites for another use).  Return all to the pan and stir constantly. 
Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring for another 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and gently stir in the vanilla.

Cool to room temperature without stirring.
Place the sliced bananas in the crust. Cover with the cream mixture.  Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
Sprinkle the reserved coconut.  Add whipped cream and bananas if desired.

And a Happy New Year!

We are so enjoying living in our new 5th Wheel. Even going to work from here is getting easier each day....if only it would be light when I leave.   The commute is easier than the one I have had for the past 5 years so I am not complaining. 

We are thinking of moving to another spot in this park as it is quite noisy here with the traffic behind us.  Kirby spent Christmas Eve morning preping for the move and found out that our slides don't slide.  For those of you who are not familiar - those are the areas that pop out when you are parked so the rig is larger inside.  They are stuck and Kirby has done all he can to troubleshoot the problem. He put a call in for a technician - we will see how long it takes.....since it is the holidays.

We just enjoyed Christmas at my daughters home and now we are looking forward to the new year.  2013 - the year I retire and we head out on a new adventure.  Please come back every once in a while to see what we are up to.

Do'in the Wash

Check out my NEW BLOG - a work in progress, all about laundry!

"First time in over five years.  I didn't want to go but I did it anyway.  I left the RV at about 6:30 AM on Sunday and drove all the way past little rows of RV's to the campground laundromat.  Dark.  Foggy. Quiet.  No one out but me.......... "

Happy, Happy!

We have been living here for a week and a half now.  Living in our RV!  No more big house, garage to park in, 2 bathrooms, dishwasher, washer and dryer and flush toilet.  And I am SO HAPPY!  I LOVE this life.  It really is a lot like our life on boats.  We are close together and can talk to one another almost any time.  I can be doing dishes and watch TV while talking to Kirby - during commercials of course.  Jake, our yellow dog, can see both of us all the time and doesn't have to stress over trying to stay with us both when we are in different rooms.

OK, I haven't tried to cut my hair but I guess if I could do it on the boat, I can do it here.  I haven't been to the laundromat yet but I have done that so much of my life that it will all come right back - darn!

I don't know, I can't really explain it but I seem to have this happy bubble living inside my tummy.  Life is good!

Oh, and we have a signed contract on the house again.  Same people as before but they have different buyers and it is all supposed to be cash before the end of the year.  Please cross your fingers for us and join me in my happiness!

For Every Thing a Place........

.....and for every place, a thing!

I took the day off from work today to try to get moved into our new RV.  A good nights sleep really helped.  The last two days have been very difficult to say the least!  So, this is what I started with today.  I just kept moving things to another area until most everything was put away.  It actually is coming together quite nicely!

The galley was the biggest challenge of all because I want EVERYTHING with me.  It is working!  Things are put in strange places, but all the pots and pans, food, spices and dishes have a home. Even the pressure cooker!

I am loving my living room and all the storage in it.  We didn't like the recliners that came with the unit so we brought our IKEA chairs from the house.  Love those chairs!  Today I had Kirby bring us the little chairs from our dining set that didn't sell.  Now I am so glad because after a couple of days sitting in the cute ones that came with - we both hated them.  Very uncomfortable.  These old chairs may not look so good but neither do we!

I am amazed at myself because there still is nothing in the ottoman.  I am saving it for something special I am sure.  I thought about filling it with Jake's dog food but decided on a drawer instead....what we do for our dogs!

I have to return to work tomorrow and I just hate that!!  I want to retire!  Please say a prayer or send good vibes that someone will buy our house so that I can retire.  It is only fair....it is my time to retire!

Hello! Goodbye!

We were up at 4:15 on Saturday to begin the big moving day!  As Kirby moved everything to the driveway for the garage sale, I straightened up the house for the prospective buyers that were coming to look at the house.  We were almost ready when the first customer showed up in the dark with his flashlight!  Now that is serious garage sale shopping.

We thought the response was poor at 7 but by 8:00 we were in full swing with people almost fighting over things - we had it all priced so low.  Still they wanted to bargain and that got really tiring as I was pretty much giving away a part of me with each item.  Some of the shoppers were very rude and made it even more difficult.

I moved Jake's bed out to the lawn so that he could just lay in his bed during all the excitement but of course he felt the need to sniff each person who arrived!  I mean Greet each person!  At one point he was being so good and laying in his bed and would you believe that Kirby sold his bed right out from under him!  Hair and all!  I even had an offer of $300 for Jake himself!  But I did not take it!

Everyone was gone by 11:00 and we were FINISHED!!  We put the leftovers back in the garage and Habitat for Humanity will pick it up on Monday.  Just as we were finishing, some sweet little girls from down the street arrived and wanted to rake the yard for just $5.00.  I was loaded with cash right then and hired them on the spot.  Just look at this team!

They were bucking the wind the whole time but they worked hard and did a good job!  Thanks, girls.

Then it was on to our new home.  Kirby loaded the truck - again!  This time we brought our wonderful IKEA chairs that we love so much in place of the stupid recliners that came the rig.  And lots more 'stuff'!  It will not all fit so I am purging again!

Last night we were so tired but also so happy.  We are here!  Our new life is beginning.  It will be slow as we still have to sell the house - again, and I am still working.  But our new life of adventure is about to begin!  Wish us luck in selling the house soon so we won't be delayed!!

Changes

Change is good for us, right?  I believe in change.  I believe that it will keep me from being bored.  I have always embraced change and welcomed it to my life.  I grew up an Air Force Brat and moved around often from the day I was born.  Three years in one place was a max for this young girl.  I spent 6 years in Big Spring, Texas and almost died when I had to leave at the precious age of 16.  Not good to stay in one place for so long that you don't want to go.

When Kirby and I first hooked up, I told him that I get bored easily and love change.  There was never a problem.  We changed our home every 6 months for the first 3 years.  We would spend 6 months on the boat in Mexico and then go to California for 6, rent a new apartment and set up housekeeping again.  Then the cycle would begin all over again.  Even when in San Diego, we at least changed our home or our jobs.

With this current economy we haven't been able to manage much change in our lives.  Same job and same home for over 5 years now.  I wanted so much 2-3 years ago to move to a different home, get a new job - SOMETHING!!  But, nothing has changed since we first moved here.  Same job, same house.  Not that it was bad - it was just THE SAME!

Finally, things are changing!  Yea!  We are moving!  NOT FUN!  We have stayed here too long.  This moving process has become painful.  Now I am beginning to understand how people can stay in the same job/same home for years and years and years.  This is stressful!  When you move and change your life often, it is a breeze - just get up and go.  But now we have loads and loads of stuff.  (Kirby says we have "Too much useless shit!" ) How do I decide what is important to keep.  I can't keep it all - we are simplifying our lives!  I believe in and want a simple life but I am attached to all this STUFF.

We are running out of time.  Garage sale this coming Saturday and then that is it!  Out of here!   What doesn't fit on the RV goes.............

Ah, the Simple Life!!  Wish me luck!

Getting Ready to MOVE!

We have had company the last week and haven't done much toward getting out of this house and into our new home.  Steve and Mollie left before breakfast this morning and even though Lee didn't leave for the airport until 3:00 PM, we started in with more packing and sorting.  Kirby and Lee delivered the first bed next door to Arlene (the second one will go this weekend when we say goodbye to living here).  I got lots of bedding and throw rugs washed and packed and then I sold off our sofa, chair, ottoman and the beautiful coffee table that I loved so much!  The house is looking bare, but messy.  Hopefully I can take a few days off this week or at least half days and get a lot moved to Myrt (our RV).  Saturday, weather permitting will be our 2nd and final garage sale.  I have lots of things listed on Craig s list!  Wish me luck!!

Too Good to be True

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!  And I guess that is just a fact of life.  We sold our home and then we didn't.  When we signed the contract to sell it, it just seemed too good to be true.  Two days on the market, full price and a short escrow.  Oh, well, time to start over. 

Our real estate agent called this morning with the bad news. The deal just fell through.  Our empty, messy home is back on the market and our dream is on hold.  To tell the truth, I am rather pissed. Actually, right now - I am very pissed!  I think I will feel better about it all tomorrow but right now....not too cool.

This happens all the time to people, I know that.  But I also know that next time, I will not have the highs that I had when this deal 'came together'.  I was dancing around the house, squealing and laughing...it was too good to be true.

We have a hold on the listing for 2 weeks while we finish moving out and getting it cleaned up.  It won't sell as well with the furniture and pretty things gone.  I actually spent money on things to help stage the house to sell it.  Those things are gone.  That sucks!

Please send us good vibes.  I need some not just to sell the house but to ease my mind and my soul.  I am so ready to retire and begin our next adventure.

THE Garage Sale

I think I caught Christie in motion - which she was all morning as she helped us with the EVERYTHING!  She was here at 6:15 in the morning and I appreciated her help so much.  I couldn't have done it without her!

Our garage sale was very successful!!  And we had a blast.  We always have fun when we do a garage sales.  The neighbors come out and the shoppers are fun!  These are our very first shoppers in the picture.  I said 7:00 am in my ad but people started showing up at 6:20!  I guess we were ready as it all worked.  I had said in my at that we would be open from 7:00 until I was too tired to continue and that happened about 11:45.  I just all of a sudden couldn't do any more!

This was our smallest shopper.  He lives about 10 houses away and just showed up on his bike.  He looked around and then went home for some money.  He was so cute with all of his purchases and he even hung around until the end and managed to get some more cool stuff for free!  He was very entertaining!

This was taken near the end.  The funny thing was when I would all of a sudden see something I just couldn't part with and run with it into the house for safekeeping!! :)

Since is is not all gone we have decided to do it again next Saturday.  Then whatever is left will go to a charity.  We were really tired when it was over so we just went out to lunch and then came home and goofed off.  I have been working with my new Lenovo computer and trying to figure out Windows 8.  So far it is pretty cool.  I am also adjusting to a laptop.  I love my desktop with the big monitor and nice keyboard but I will get used to this.

So, one more step towards our escape!  Tomorrow we get to go visit Myrt!  (Myrt is our new 5thWheel RV)  We miss her!!

The Day Before The Garage Sale

Tomorrow morning we have to be outside at 6:00 am for our 7:00 am garage sale.  We have worked so hard all week to gather everything in the house and move it to the garage.  I actually took this picture early today ----there is much more in the garage now!  We are so excited to get this show on the road.  I hope we have a good turn out for the sale as we have everything out there ready for it's new life.  ( I have to admit that as I go through this stuff, I have actually returned some of it to the house - I just can't part with it!)  We have already sold some wine glasses, our lovely sunroom chairs, the exercise bicycle and a turkey roaster.  Not too bad!  But lots to go!  Wish us luck!!

Kirby picked up some 6 foot tables so at 6:00 we will be out there trying to make it all look appealing to the shoppers.  Mexican Coffee will probably be in order!

Whirlwind!

So much has happened in the last 4 days that I don't know where to begin and don't want to bore you with all the details but my goodness, life is roaring past at such a rate.  So much going on!

We left home first thing on Thursday morning to go pick up our new home, a 38 foot Avalanche Fifth Wheel now christened "Myrt"!  We had a great send off from Carolina RV - Doug, our teacher and Daniel, our salesman.

That is my hero there in the middle!  Kirby hooked that RV up to our truck and drove it out of the lot like he had done it a 100 times!  I was/am so impressed!  Then we stopped in a large parking lot that had no people and practiced backing up.  Poor Kirby, he has such a dumb partner.  I was not much help at all.  But after a few practice runs we were back on the highway heading south. 

We drove right past our house and around Charleston to the Savannah Hwy and our new home.  Oak Plantation Campground is beautiful and I think we are going to love it there.  Anyway, Kirby again did an awesome job of backing the RV into it's little space.  Why oh why couldn't we have gotten one of those drive through slips!  Oh, well, Kirby did a great job.  But when we went to hook up the power we were about 8 inches short of connecting.  So we hooked the truck up again and repositioned just a little.  Good practice, right?

We then unloaded all we had brought with us and proceeded to have an awesome time!  I guess it was like playing house.  We loved it and I was almost giddy with all the excitement.  So much to learn and then it will be like second nature the way it was on the boat.

Isn't this a pretty spot?  Nice trees and not too crowded.  This is the view from the front.

Friday morning we had a call from our realtor - we had an offer on the house - contingent on them SEEING it in person.  They made the offer based on the pictures!  Yesterday they came to see it and we now have a signed contract!  We close escrow in just over a month so my oh my are we busy.  That is why it has taken me this long to get this posted!

This is our agent, Ken, putting up the "Under Contract" sign!  We will definitely be on-board by Christmas.  Sold in 3 days!  (Ken was our agent when we bought the house - Christie found him for us and we didn't even meet him for a long time but we knew a winner when we met him!)  Thanks, Ken for a great job!

Next step is the MAJOR GARAGE SALE!!  Coming up next Saturday.  Kirby and I love giving garage sales so it should be a lot of fun.  You should see what we have in the garage.  I have no idea where it all was as the house still looks the same.

And in case you are wondering - yes, I will continue to work for a few months.  The campground is about the same distance to my office as the house is so it should work out just fine!

Ah, life is good!

Tomorrow!!

Tomorrow is the DAY!  We leave bright and early with Jake in the back of Gordy and head up the coast to collect our new darling, Myrtle!  Have you got all of that?  Jake is our dog, Gordy is our new Chevy pickup and Myrtle is our new Fifth Wheel RV!  Well, we aren't sure that her name is going to be Myrtle but for the time being, that will do.  So, it is 2 hours up the coast plus a stop at our new favorite breakfast place, Eggs Up Grill.  Next will be the hook Gordy up with Myrtle and then have the grand farewell to the staff at Carolina RV and we will be on our way to Oak Plantation Campground.  The drive to the campground will probably take 3 -4 hours and then we will be HOME!

Well, not for permanent as I have to go back to work on Monday but tomorrow and Friday will be pure adventure for us!  They say we will have wifi there but we shall see.  I am not counting on it.

I am off to bed!  Pooped from all the packing and sorting.  Too much going on!

Here is a picture of us in 2005 when we did this same thing only moved to a boat.  Always packing and sorting!

For Sale

Our new adventure is getting more real each day!  Click on the picture to see Kirby! haha!

Ready to Take Delivery!

Some of you have asked what our new home looks like on the outside.  Would you believe that I haven't taken a picture of the outside?  I guess I should care but I am more interested in the floorplan and is the sofa comfortable.  So, I went and gathered a couple of stock photos of our new home!

This one really is OUR RV as it is from the dealer's website.

So, on Thursday we will drive to Myrtle Beach, SC and take delivery of our new home.  I am so excited!  Last weekend we went up there and did the walk-through and learned about every system there is.  Kirby will be in heaven. It is just like a boat and every time we head out, we have to have our little checklist of things to secure, put away, lock, check etc. So much to think about until it becomes second nature.  There are lots of maintenance things for him to take care of and multiple buttons and nobs.  What I like is that it comes with 2 TV's, a stereo and DVD player and surround sound.  I have double stainless steel sinks and leather sofa and reclining chairs.  The table chairs have seats that lift up with hidden storage in them.  There is loads and loads of kitchen storage.  Jake will love the fact that at most times he will be able to see both his daddy and his mommy at the same time! It will be hard to be very far away.

So, when we pick it up on Thursday we will go directly to our new home on the other side of Charleston - Oak Plantation RV Park .  We plan to spend at least one night aboard or maybe 2.   I need help thinking of everything I will need to be happy and comfortable those first 2 days.  Sheets, blankets, Tee Pee, dishes, forks, wine, rum, steak knives, barbeque, rum, pillows, towels, wine, wine glasses, charcoal, rum, oh, and ice!  Please help me compose my escape list!  What do I need?  and remember - I am not a rough it person!

We have not named it yet.  The truck is Gordy because he is from Punta Gorda.  The RV could be Ava but we have a great niece with that name.  I kind of like Alice or Allie.  Or it could be Myrtle because she comes from Myrtle Beach.  What do you think?

The Big Purchase!

I don't know about other people but when Kirby and I get an idea it becomes consuming.  Once we decided to do the RV thing that is all I could think about.  And once we had the truck it became even more consuming.  I did research and research and more research.  I designed so many different spreadsheets to help me compare all the different Fifth Wheels that were available in our area.  And Kirby did all the research on what were good ones and which ones weren't so good.  Every spare moment and even a few stolen ones have been spent looking at floor plans and all the different nuances in the various designs.

We selected a favorite from a dealer that we had come to trust and made an offer.  OK, it was a pretty ridiculous offer but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?  Well in this case - nothing was gained!  But we did realize that even though we could have bought that bigger better rig, we didn't want to spend that much money on it.  The price was very fair but we just couldn't do it!

So today I left work at noon and we drove the 2 hours north to Myrtle Beach to visit Carolina RV and our new best friend, Daniel.  Daniel had called Kirby about a deal he could make on a smaller unit by a manufacturer that we weren't as sold on but what the heck...let's go take a look at it.

I didn't like it very much.  I had thought that I might but - I just didn't.  That extra 2 feet in something that small really makes a difference.  So, we asked to look at the Avalanche that he had in stock - new 2013, 38 footer.  We hadn't looked at it when we were there a couple of weeks ago for some strange reason.

No, it was not love at first sight.  After looking at so, so many different RV's they almost start to all look alike so you have to zero in on a few details.  This was a manufacturer that Kirby's research indicated is a good builder and someone we could trust.  It has all the latest technology and a great galley.  The best part is that the carpet matches Jake!  Yea!  And we knew from our research that we could not get a better, prettier, larger or better built rig for the money.

We asked Daniel to please go away for a bit and let us talk.  Funny, we really didn't say much to each other.  I think we both knew this was what we wanted to do.  Personally, I just thought that was the way we should do it - "May we please have a moment alone?"  Following an unwritten script!

So, we were sitting outside the office on the porch (this is the south, very casual) talking this over when the owner came out and Kirby went for one more cut in the price.  You rock, Kirby!!  And by golly we got even more money cut off the price and said - OK, let's do this!

We are pretty darned excited but I have to admit, when we were signing on the line I was NOT excited.  I was nervous as hell!

So, stay tuned for delivery and our first overnight!  Yea!! I am so excited!

Ah, the Choices.........

I really didn't think it would be so hard to select which 5th wheel I want to live in for the next umpteen years.  Just look at some of the overwhelming choices.  Aren't they gorgeous?  Beautiful woods, corian counter tops, leather seating, big screen TV's.....the list goes on and on.  Of course Kirby looks at different things than I do.  He checks the axles, the weight of everything, the storage, the underneath that holds who know what and the leveling mechanism.  Just when I think I have it figured it out some sales person puts a whole new slant on it.  One of my favorites just got eliminated because of de-laminating.  Sure enough, Kirby did a check and the salesman was right.  So, can't buy that one.

Here are some of the items I am looking for that are important to ME!

I want a large refrigerator.  They are almost all very shallow so what looks like a nice normal unit really is half sized or smaller.  The double door units are about 12 cubic feet.  That is small but bigger that the small ones!

I want STORAGE!  Lots and lots of cupboards and closets.  The more the better!  All the bedrooms have a nice closet but some have more drawers than others, some have a small linen closet and some have at least one night stand with drawers.

I want a washer and a dryer!!  I have spent too much of my life in laundromats.  I even wrote a whole blog posting about laundromats during our last cruise - you can read it by clicking HERE.  Many of the larger units have the hook up all ready for a washer/dryer - but you sacrifice a closet.

A large shower.  We can do with a small one as we had that on our boat but a big one for Kirby would be nice.

I would really like to have a desk where my computer lives all the time.  Most units don't have that; instead they have big entertainment centers which are not important to me at all.  And they have "fireplaces" (electric heaters) that may be important later...I just don't know.

I would like a queen bed.  So many already have a king sized bed.  We are not used to a king, don't have the bedding for it and need the space in the room for our dog, Jake. (no, he does not sleep in the bed with us)

I want a pretty kitchen with lots of cupboards.  There are many configurations but my favorite is a U-shape.

So, the shopping continues.  Who knows what we will end up with.  I know I won't get everything on the list and I will have to decide what is most important.  And I will have to let Kirby have a little input on the decision...well, maybe!

I have realized that RV park rates go down this time of year so it really would be fun to have our new home to play in on the weekends.  Just have to find that perfect home!

New Life - New Truck

Kirby and I are getting ready to embark upon a new adventure.  We have lived here in South Carolina now for over 5 years.  I got my 5 years service award at work last week.  Our house has been remodeled to what we think is pretty awesome.  Five years in one place is almost a record for me and it certainly is a record for Kirby and I together.  When we had our boat in Mexico we would cruise the warm waters for 6 months and then head back north for 6 months of work before doing it again.  Always a new home and a new job.  Life was an adventure full of change!  So this time here has made us feel like - I don't know - old farts??  We NEED adventure!

Kirby retired in 2005 when we left California and headed east to buy a boat and sail the Atlantic.  Well, it is almost my turn to retire too!  So when I retire we aren't going to buy a new boat but we are going to buy an RV.

Kirby searched and searched for the perfect truck to pull our fifth wheel (that we don't have yet - which comes first?  The rv or the truck?  The truck!)  He knew exactly what he wanted and the only one he could find was in Punta Gorda, Florida.  So off he went on Monday and returned to Jake and I on Friday with - GORDY! Our new Chevy truck.

Gordy is a Chevy Silverado 2500 - 2 wheel drive, short bed.  I guess that is not in too great a demand but is perfect to pull the rv we plan.

So now the search for the fifth wheel can go into high gear.  It is fun and it is frustrating.  We already had to decide between fifth wheel and motorhome.  For us the 5th wheel won but it was a hard decision as both have great advantages.  We had friends with both and they helped so much with advise and information.

I hope you will enjoy my saga as we find our new home and begin our journey!  Stay tuned.  Finally some adventure!! Yea!

Joan Perry - Charleston Daily Photo

Look who I found at the American Heart Association Heart Walk!  Joan Perry - my blog friend from Charleston Daily Photo.  I knew it would happen one day that we would finally run into each other.

Missing in Action

I think I should tell you that I am taking a sabbatical from my blogs.  I am sure I will be back but for now - I am on blog vacation!  Have a great day!

Mushrooms & Ancient Rituals

Kirby, Jake and I headed out this morning to Sewee Shell Ring for our Sunday Church Service.  It was so peaceful and lovely there.  A short walk through the dense forest lead us to a big marsh and the scene of ancient rituals.  Over 4000 years ago ancient people used to gather for their religious rituals right where we were.  I don't think our morning could have been spent in any better place.  Along the way I gathered mushrooms - but only using my camera.

Jambalaya

Yesterday at work I got a craving for Jambalaya.  Don't ask me why, I just did.  So I looked up some recipes online, got a list of the most common ingredients and stopped at the store on the way home.  Today, when I was ready to begin my cooking I remembered that I had a recipe from my friend, Lucy, that I had never tried.  My goodness, she gave it to me probably 12 -14 years ago. 


So, using Lucy's recipe as a guide, I set about chopping up the veggies and gathering my ingredients.  The recipe that follows is what I ended up doing and oh, my goodness was it good.  I made some awesome cornbread using Albers Corn Meal, which is the best there is. (and I have to order it online because I can't find it in South Carolina.)


So, run to the store, get the easy ingredients and have yourself a feast!  You will be glad you did!  And Thank You, Lucy, for the perfect guide.  You know I can't ever follow a recipe exactly!

Sausage is cooked and the veggies are sauteing.

Everything is in the pot and cooking away.  I know this could be done in a slow cooker so easily.  I will adapt it one day when I retire.

Here is the recipe!

• 1 pound of peeled and cleaned shrimp – either fresh or frozen (thawed)
• 14 – 16 oz of New Orleans style sausage, sliced diagonally ¼ “ pieces (such as Andouille)
• 2 Tbs. salad oil
• 1 C. chopped onion
• 1 C. chopped celery
• ¾ C. chopped green bell pepper
• 1 chopped large jalapeno seeds removed
• 1 Tbs. minced garlic
• 1 ½ Tbs. Cajun Seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 2 C. chicken stock
• 1 ¼ C. Basmati rice
• ½ C. chopped green onion

1. Place the raw shrimp in a bowl and cover with the Cajun Seasoning and mix well.  Leave to marinate while you cook the other stuff.
2.  Heat the oil in a large skillet that has a lid.  Add the sausage and brown for a few minutes.  Turn each piece for even browning. 
3. Add the vegetables and cook until they are soft.  To this mixture add the chicken stock, rice, shrimp with seasoning, salt and tomatoes. 
4. Simmer, covered on very low until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed – about 20 to 30 minutes.    

• When serving add the chopped green onion – it makes it!
• Serve with homemade cornbread and fresh butter – Yum!
• Serves 8 normal people, 4 hungry people or 2 oink oinks.

And here is the recipe for the best cornbread in the world.  I have been making this cornbread for about 35 years - it never fail - IF you use Albers.  From their website and from my old recipe file - here it is!

Albers® Corn Bread
(Makes 12 servings) 

This moist corn bread can be served with salads, soups, stews, chilies, or southern fried chicken. Try it toasted and spread with butter and jam in the morning.

• 1 cup Albers® White or Yellow Corn Meal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Grease 8-inch square baking pan.
COMBINE meal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Combine milk, oil and egg in small bowl; mix well. Add milk mixture to flour mixture; stir just until blended. Pour into prepared pan.
BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm.
NOTE Recipe may be doubled. Use greased 13x9-inch baking pan; bake as above.


FOR MUFFINS:
SPOON batter into 10 to 12 greased or paper-lined muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. Bake in preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes.

Lime - Jalapeno Chicken

Here you go - just in time for that diet you are going to begin soon!  How to make plain ordinary chicken breasts taste incredible!  Give this one a try - it is easy and a real taste treat!  (It is extra easy if someone else does the grilling - Thanks Kirby!!)

• 1/4 cup lime juice (concentrated is fine - fresh is better)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 jalapeno, sliced (sissys need to remove the seeds)
• 1/2 small onion sliced
• 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat

1. Whisk lime juice, oil, vinegar, cumin and salt in a small bowl. Stir in jalapeno and onion. Place chicken in a shallow baking dish and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, turning once, or overnight.
2. Preheat grill to high heat.Grill the chicken until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
3. Meanwhile, sauté the jalepenos and the onion in the marinade until the vegetables are tender – about 5 minutes.
4. Let chicken cool slightly; serve with jalapeno - onion mixture.

Yield: 8 servings

Pacolet Mills

I am still on our little outing to the Peach Festival in upstate South Carolina.  When the parade was over we made our way back to the car with our stiff and sore bodies that aren't used to standing for so long.  It just felt really good to sit down!

We decided to head on back south but to take the back roads as much as possible.  We aren't used to so many hills and were really enjoying them and joking about the altitude getting to us.  We took highway 150 out of Gaffney and our first stop was at Pacolet Mills.  This old mill town is pretty sad looking today with most of it in ruin but you could see that it was a thriving little community at one time.  We stopped to take a look at the river which was pure muddy.  I looked it up on google maps and can't find the name of it but it does flow into a larger river which then dumps into Lake Marion which is just north of Charleston.  You can read about the history of Pacolet Mills by clicking HERE.
Mr. Gerald Teaster wrote this very interesting history of the mills which I think you will enjoy.

When we finally got back to the interstate we were hungry so we found a little neighborhood park in Clinton.  Jake is really needing a break by the time we get there.

What do you think he is thinking here?!  I think he is almost wishing he had stayed home!

 The park wasn't much to write home about but we were the only ones there and it was neat and clean.  By this time Jake didn't even have the energy to explore.